SCC High School presents 'Once Upon a Mattress'

The parts have been assigned, the scripts have been read and the sets are under construction. All the cast and crew of the St. Croix Central High School's production of "Once Upon a Mattress" needs is an audience in attendance.

"Once Upon a Mattress," is Rodgers and Hammerstein's twist on the classic fairytale, "The Princess and the Pea."

The plot centers around the need for Prince Dauntless to marry because no one in the kingdom can marry until he does, including the un-wed and pregnant Lady Larken. He struggles though, because his mother the Queen doesn't think anyone is good enough for her son. The outlook is grim until a surprise visitor swims the moat and captures Dauntless' heart.

Directors for the production are St. Croix Central teachers Mary Lucking and Sara Route.

Lucking said this is the High School's only production of the year. To prepare for the musical, the cast rehearses four times a week. Practices originally began in the spring, but picked up again after school started.

Lucking said typically between 150 to 200 people come to the shows. This year's matinee is a first. Lucking said she's curious to see how many people attend.

Also new to the production this year will be uniformity in costumes. Cast member Heidi Feyereisen's mom is making dresses for the princesses.

The opening show will be at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25. A matinee will be presented at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26. The show is expected to last an hour and a half to two hours.

Cost for adults is $3 and students $2. If patrons bring donations for the food shelf, the ticket price may be reduced by $1.